LOGAN — Two Cache Valley educators have been named among the five statewide finalists for the 2027 Utah Teacher of the Year award, the Utah State Board of Education announced.
Sondra Knudsen, a kindergarten teacher at Adams Elementary School in the Logan City School District, and Daren Lentz, a seventh-grade mathematics teacher at South Cache Middle School in the Cache County School District, were selected after a rigorous statewide review process that evaluated nominations from across Utah.
Dubbed the “Fab Five” by state officials, the finalists are distinguished for their exceptional dedication, innovative classroom practices, and profound impact on the lives of their students and local communities.
State education officials praised Knudsen, Lentz, and their peers as master teachers who represent the pinnacle of teaching excellence. The board noted that these educators not only deliver exceptional instruction but also excel at creating learning environments where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to succeed.
The remaining three finalists competing for the state’s highest teaching honor include Danielle Carter, a fifth-grade special education teacher at Delta Middle School; Talia Casares, a sixth-grade Spanish dual-language immersion teacher at Moroni Elementary; and Megan Morrison, a special education teacher at South Jordan Middle School.
In the coming weeks, Knudsen and Lentz will participate in an educator roundtable event and various professional learning opportunities. They will also undergo in-person interviews with a 13-person selection committee composed of representatives from the Utah State Board of Education, the Utah Education Association, the Utah PTA, and other education stakeholders.
The 2027 Utah Teacher of the Year will be officially announced during an awards banquet on Sept. 3. The winner will advance to represent Utah in the National Teacher of the Year Program.